1917-12-28 — Page 1

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The Hongkong Telegraph

(ESTABLISHED

1881)

Copyright 1917, by the Proprietor.

December 28, 1917,

7840 日伍十月一十

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Temperature 6 am, 52 Humidity

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64

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December 28, 1916,

【玉拜禮 號八十月二十英港香

DECEMBER

28,

1917.

REUTER'S „TELEGRAMS.

Temperature ́é a.. Humidity

60: pm, 61

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REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

DRAMATIC ADMIRALTY CHANGES,

General Surprise at New Appointment.

London, December 27. "The dramatic changes at the Admirsity recalla Sir Eric Geddes' audience on Christmas day with the King at Sandringham, which pccasioned much speculation. The appointment of Vice Admiral Wemyss to succeed Admiral Jellicoe has greatly enrprised all, but ju generally regarded as indicative of new developmenta, especially in operatione against submarines, rather than emphasising the recent misadventures in the North Ses. The Government is expected to supplement the present bald announcement by taking. the public faller into its confidence, and further extensive changes on the Board of Admiralty and in the Naval War Staff are believad probabla.

Comment by the Newspapers.

London, December 28.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

RUSSO-GERMAN PEACE DISCUSSION.

The Delegates Agala Meet.

London, December 27. According to Renter's correspondent at Amsterdam, italegram from Brestlitovsk annouoose that the representatives of Austro Germany and Russia has resumed discussions, mainly dealing with the re-establishment of intercourse.

Central Powers' Solema Promise.

London, December 28. Router's correspondent at Amsterdam states that an official telegram from Breatlitevsk vis Vianna says that delegates of the Central Powers declare that their Governments are of opinion that the principles of the Russian peace proposat can form the basis of pesce. The Central Powers agree to an immediate peace on the principles of nu annexations-and no indemnities and their Govern- menta join the Rassione in condemning the continuation of the war that they are willing immediately to sign a peace on this basis if with the sole object of conquest. The delegates solemnly declara guarantees are forthcoming that all Bassin'e Allies will adopt the principle of no annexations and no indetaníties regarding Germany

The Dasly Telegraph states that the decision was conveyed to Admiral Sir John Jellicoe before Christmas and it was generally known in naval circles. He had not been at his post at the Admiralty since December 24. Vice-Admiral Wemyss is best known for his distinguished services in the landing at and the evacuation of Gallipoli. He is man of wide interests and asfeiling and her Allies. good humour, with a great sympathy for the younger generation of the Navy. He has been Deputy First Sea Lord for several months past.

The Times anticipates greater opportunities in store for the younger school of seemer, whose experiences in the war will enable them to operate rigorously, resourcefully and progressivaly, their advent fully according with the war-time spirit and the traditiona

RUSSIAN DEVELOPMENTS.

Reported Defeat of General Kaledin.

London, Dasember 27.

The Petrograd Maximalist News Agency announces the defeat

The Times correspondent at Petrograd says that the Bolsheviks

of the Navy. Referring to the prevalent belief" that the of General Keledin's troops at Bielgorod. Admiralty lacked energy and prevision, it says that the crowning the entire Administration which supported the proposal to bring H. Trotsky has telegraphed to Harbin ordering the arrest of justification for the present changes, which go far beyond the foreign troops there. present announcements, is the overwhelming importance of effectively grappling with the submarines, Younger samen are convinced that, given a free hand, they can entirely overcome them. are endeavouring to come to terms with Ukraine, as the Commis-

The Daily Mail says that recent events made inevitable Admiral Jellicos's retirement. Sir Erio Goddes deserves the nation's thanks for not shrinking from a painful duty.

The Daily Chronicle asys We must content ourselves for the present by hoping that those conversant with the facts have been wisely guided.

The Daily News advocates the creation of a Naval General Sta sa the only satisfactory guarantee that can be given the country of it securing competent naval administration.

.

who is regarded as being identified with the Cadets and the cause aionera are anxious to employ all the forces against General Kaledin, of the Bourgeoise and pledged to the restoration of the Monarchy: M. Trotsky has telegraphed to General Krylenko to dispatch an my against General Kaledin, as it in a question of life and death for the Revolution.

"

Internal Affairs.

The Civil War,

THE ITALIAN STRUGGLE.

Splendid Work by the Alpini.

TO-DAY.

Victoria Theatre.........9,15 p.tit. Bijou Theatre-8.13 p.m New Hongkong Cinematogrs |

London, December 28.” December 26, says Snow is falling beavily, making most difficult-9.15 p

Beatar'a correspondent at the Italian Headquarters, writing on the continuance of the Austro-German advance, and especially himpering them in bringing up supplies sad moving big gana. The suitability of the Italian Alpizi uäder these conditions was sgain demonstrated on Christmas Day, when a detachment clad in white, and looking like Pierrots, fell upon Austrians in ten times greater number than the Alpini. The enemy was driven beadlong down the mountain. The inventiveness and resourcefulness of the Alpini in new methods of attack are keeping the enemy in a state of perpetual unrest.

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

THE OPERATIONS IN THE WEST,

London, December 27.

A French communique states: On the right of the Meuse, despite a very violent bombardment, the enemy's double attack on our positions at Caurieres Wood failed.

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports that the hostila arbillary is active in the neighbourhood of Vimy, Hai- trincourt and eastward of Ypres. There is snow on the whole front.

THE RUSSO-DERMAN NEGOTIATIONS.

London, December 27. A message from Berlin states that the German com- mission provided for by the armistice is proceeding to Petrograd to arrange for the exchange of civilian and unfit war prisoners and the restoration of Russo-German rela tions within defined limita.

A WORKING PARTY.

BRA

80%

TO-MORROW.

Victoria Theatre--9.15 p.m. Bijoa Theatre-9,15 prz graph.-9.15 p.

New Hongkong Oinamsio-

Kellan Output.

The total catpat of the Kailan Mining Administration's minsa for the week ending December 15, amounted to 64,835 ans sad the sales daring the period to 60,813 tons.

Sequel to Disappearance of Rev. Phillp Kelly.

A sequel to the disappearanos of the Rev. Philip Kelly, the Vior of Collingham, who was afterwards found to have joined the Royal Garrison Artillery a a gunner, was heard at the Ripon Consistory Court recently, whan the clergyman-ganner was un- frocked upon his confansion of improper conduct. The Bishop of Ripon declared that the Bav. Philip James Kally be deprived of the vicarage and benefits of Collingham, on the ground of sppointed rendezvous with the declared him to be incapable of gross misconduct, and further London, December 27.

R.E., it was pitahy dark, and the holding any Church prefermant Reater's correspondent at Petrograd aaye that the Patiloff

road into whichit led was already s until sach time as it may soểm åt The Daily Telegraph says that time alone can demonstrate Works and the Petrograd Metallurgical Works, respectively

By and. Lt. J. P. Lloyd: passable invitation to Piccadilly to those who have authority in whether the veature is justifiable. Vice Admiral Wemyss has a employing 30,000 and 8,000 workers, are beginning to pay off

Circas on a Saturday night the matter. Mr. Kelly when he

· right to demand fair play and freedom from captions criticism.

I was sitting in the ocsy little. There were ration parties from disappeared left a wife and six their employees. The Daily Express says that the country looks to Vice-Admiral The Commissioners recently prohibited the newspapers Headquarters in the support line, working parties like ourselves, Contemporary with his departure dug-out, which was 'A' Coys. different companies and units, young children at the Rectory. Wemyss to produce the necessary change in spirit and method, and to publish paid advertisements, whereupon the influential skimming s much thumbed spart transport wagons and limbers, from the district was siso that of make the Naval War Staff real and effective.

[Rear-Admiral Sir Roselyn Erskine Wemyss, K.C.B., is the it appears to-day with blank advertisement columns and explainsider, as asusi, won the Derby springs into life every night of a retired clergyman, and who Radical newspaper Des inserted them gratuitondly. But ing novel (in which the rebkout every phase of the activity which a young lady, who is the daughter third son of the late J. H. Erskine Wemyss, of Wemyss Castle, that the Red Gaards overnight compelled them to take out the and a bride for the handsome bebind both the German trenches up to the time of bar disappear Fifeshire, who was the head of a well-known Scottish_family advertisements. engaged for generations in coal mining in Fifeshire. Sir Bosalyn

bero) and listening to "A little end our own, sa soon as the sun ance was a V. A. D, nurse. Wemyss is junior in years to Sir John Jellicos by seven years, he

bit of Heaven" as rendered by our has sunk into the west. having been born in 1884. Entering the Nary in 1877, he was

London, December 27. one and only company grams- After a quarter of an hour's Lieutenant in 1887, Commander in 1898, Captain in 1907, Bear-allerusting between the Cossacks and Dadets and the Garrison with the world, and outside the companied by the usual exchange

There has been two days' fighting at Irkutak, the success phone. I was temporarily at peace scrimmage, which Admiral Second Battle Squadron, 1912-13; an Extra Equerry to The Ukrainions on the Rumanian Front have seized the Steffen we shining, the King, Commodore B. N. Barracke 1911-12. During the war

It was one of pleasantries on the part of all he distinguished himself greatly st Gallipoli, particularly in the garters of the 4th and 8th Armies, disarmed the Maximalist of those glorious afternoons in the concerned, we found ourselves After a short journey along the dificult operations associated with the evacuation. He was units, expelled the resisters and also occupied without resistance the early autumn when the gunners applied with so many picks, trench we were suddenly chall- mentioned in despatches, and created a Knight Commander of the Headquarters of the 11th Army on the South-Western Frost, on both sides reet from their and other impediments as were anged by Bath in 1916. In 1903 he was married to the only daughter of the rifles. The Ukrainiana have occupied the station of Brailoff and sleep until the signal goes for the the opinion of certain gentlemen nowhere on to the edge of figure which disarming the troops and saising a number of guns and 10,000 wickedness, and apparently go to necessary (more than ample in materialised suddenly from late Sir Robert Morier.]

disarmed the 4th Guarde Rifle Regiment.

evening strafe.

among as who had had too much the parapet. It proved to be the Suddenly, I beard footsteps experience of the work in hand sapper officer who was to dirent approaching along the dook to be enthusiasts), and retraced operations for the night. We boards, and the next moment the car steps up Chancery Lane once were, we discovered, to continus waterproof sheet which did double more, with the stretcher the trench, in which we WEID duty as door and ourtain was bearers in their usual posi-standing, to the right, along a A Frank Confession of African Alms.

pushed aside to reveal the un-, tions

the rear of the line which had already been taped London, December 28. In an article entitled "The World Political Importance of pany Signaller.

welcome countenance of a Com-column, A working party mov-out for us. Our job was simply Garman Eset Africa," the Cologne Gazette frankly confesses that

ing along a trench at night is a to shape out the trench, and lay Message from Headquarters, very slow procession and trying the parapet. Another party was A French communique etates:-The artillery struggle continued Germany hae for years simed at the creation of a German wedge sir," he announced. I signed the to the temper. A funeral party to revet it the following night. north of Caurieres Wood. It is confirmed that the German attack dividing Africa from sea to sea. It says that although Germany by duplicate, and the head withdrew. ie wifs by comparison. An here yesterday was very violent. After a powerful artillery pre-tion of the idea of a great Colonial Empire, ebe "really aimed at dealt with a certain working party board, or a stray shell hole, RE's., wisely harden their hearte It did not take as long to get Treaty in 1911 with France apparently made a final renuncia-It was se I feared. The message block in the trench, a loose duck to work after our arrival, for the paration, the enemy threw two battaliona into the assault. Dar fire the creation of a Germano-Belgian economic eres in the Congo of fifty cther ranks A Company causes it to telescope in and out towards a lazy party, and will not dispersed them. Daring the second attempt, enemy elements Baein from the Indian Oosn to the Atlantic." Thus, when the would provide that evening, and like a concertina. Whenever the let them go. The greater part of reached our positions but were immediately driven out. The number war commented, Germany was "deliberately exploiting her in which was to report to an RE leader (who, if the officer in charge the men were 2008 strung out s of enemy corpsee testifies to the heaviness of the enemy's losses.

comparable geographics! position in East Africa." The Oclogns officer at 8.30 p.m. at the junction of the party is a tactician, is a few paces apart along the line of Casette proceeds to say this position contitated a wedge between of the Rue de la Paix with Chen-Sapper) fala into a pit or is the proposed trench. The rest, the English claims to ale domination in East Africa And South cery Lane communication trench. etrangled by a loose telephone in groups of three, were set ta Africa-a dividing and immovable wedge as long as England did I attached the pink sheet to other cable strung across the trench, dig earth to fill sandbags in front not let it come to a trial of strength. The newspaper confesses which were already on a wire the word is passed down, of it, and to carry them over that great difioalties confront Germany's Colonial wat sims and spike, and my content waned, for "mind the 'ole," or "wire over 88. adde" All our wishes will be realised if only by our battles in it was my tara to be 0.0, work-'ead," which has the effect of lay on the parapat.

they were filled to Earope we compel England to recognise as a an equal Colonial ing party, Power and to draw the necessary consequences in the fatare,

conlasing the minds of those in working party is very much like Shortly after 8 o'clock rear, and osuses them to walk another, In this case, as we were arrangement of Africa.”

emerged from the dag out delicately like Agag for a con- digging a trench only about 300 in bigh-high boots, wearing siderable distance before they get yards or so behind the front line, a short oil-ekin jacket over to the abstraction. The result is there was bo smoking sad no my tunic, and carrying a thick ssh that by the time they reach it talking. The boche was too near plant and a pocket electric torch. they probably imagine the danger for that, and a rifle grenade ́or a As I felt my way along the dack is past, and fall into the midst of ram-jer gives very little warning. boarda to the place where the it themselves. Our progress was of ita approach. The only party would parade, I puffed therefore punctuated by frequent sounde to be heard my last cigarette for several welcome message. All closed up struck a stone, or thin dall vigorously at what would by halts each lasting until the occasional sharp olick as a

THE WESTERN" FRONT.

Hostila Artillery Fire.

London, December 28. Field Marabal Sir Douglas Haig, in a communique, states :-- There is hostile artillery firing north-east of Ypres.

A Violent German Attack.

London, December 27.

||

THE EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN.

How the Rainy Season Interfered.

London, December 27,

GERMANY'S COLONIAL DREAMS.'

་

One

The Gazette publishes a dispatch from General Hoskins describing the operations in East Africa from January 20 to May 30. It deals mainly with the great difficulties of the rainy season, which was the wettest for many years and which seriously hampered operations by interrupting communications. It caused a great iñoreses of alaris and dysentery, necessitating the with- drawal of Eurépans and Bouth African units. It was also necessary to substitute native carriers and mechanical transport for animal transport and also greatly to inoresee the medical services, General Hoskins pays a tribute to the ready help of the Governmenta of lodia, South Africs, British East Africs, Uganda and Zanzibar

A French official message eye that the sinkings daring the and especially thanks the Commander-in-Chief in India for his past week have been one over and one nader 1,600 tons readiness to meet many demanda. He also pays a tribute to the An Italian official message states that the sinkings daring the spirit and keenness of the troops, and the work of the techinical past week have been three steamers over 1,200 tone, one sailing hours. When I arrived, the in rear was received when the thud of the flat of a spáde on troope, the supply, transport and medical services, as well as the ship over and two under 100 tona. Two ateamers that wers O. S. M., had just finished nam party would move on once more, a sandbag. Work proceeded assistance of the mercantile marine and the Navy.

torpedoed were besched.

ALLIED SHIPPING RETURNS,

London, December 28.

The deepatch emphasises that the enemy suffered less than the British from the difficulties of the rainy season, because his whites were more seclimatised and bis native soldiers indigenons to the country. Moreover, he was operating his interior lines with veteran

CONTROL OF U. S. RAILWAYS. troops and his power of living on the country was accentuated by the foot that while the British took and paid for only what the

London, December 28. villagers could spar, the Germans did not scruple to take all and Wilson announces that he is seaming possession, and operation of According to Renter's correspondent at Washington, President after meing the men, women and children as porters they sent them all United States zailzosde, Mr. McAdoo has bom Appointed back starving, thus increasing the difficalties of the advancing niretor Genial of Bailroad

were

bering off, and presently reported Eventually, after what ons of quietly end without incident ar "Party complete, sir, twenty,ive the more humorous members of accident antil our “relief" osme files and two stretcher-bearers" the party described as several up a little after midnight, whra Soon we were moving off down intervals for refreshment" we we downed tools and tell in in the the trench at the shuffling gait turned to

the

right up a shelter of our newly made tronoh which ja obaraateristic of "all" trench which was broader and whose parapet had grown to gaise- working parties, and of most men better floored and bore tracee a respectable height: who have spent many months in of a recent display of energy on A preliminary When we reached the end of divided into bays and traverse, had gone secray

the part of the B. E. It was chickens to make sur

trenchen,

1 pur and was forminha, with barsan yan